The Electrical Show

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan break down the key announcements from the latest budget and explore what they could mean for the electrical sector and construction industry as a whole.Joining them are Nikki Davis from Leeds College of Building, Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at the ECA, and Alicia Hempstead, Van Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.They discuss apprenticeship opportunities and the ongoing skills shortage, changes to taxation and mileage allowances, support for green energy, and whether the government is doing enough to support electrical contractors and small businesses.With van insurance premiums and vehicle running costs continuing to rise, Alicia shares some advice on what tradespeople can do to keep their costs down.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan zig zag through the different career paths available to electricians. They reflect on their own journeys, discuss the roles they’ve found most rewarding, and reveal the jobs they would — and wouldn’t — want to take on.From solar PV and battery storage to EV charging, industrial maintenance, fire alarms, data centres and smart home technology, they explore the pros and cons of a range of specialisms.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan take a look at the tools and equipment that genuinely earn their place in the van, the gadgets that turn out to be a waste of money, and whether expensive tools really make you a better electrician.They discuss the pros and cons of buying duplicate tools, managing stock and supplies, keeping up with new innovations and avoiding equipment becoming obsolete.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan explore whether electricians should have their own compulsory accreditation scheme, following SELECT’s campaign in Scotland to protect the title of electrician.They’re joined by plumbing and heating industry expert Jimmy Hendry to discuss how Gas Safe works in practice, how engineers are vetted, the benefits and frustrations of the system, and what reforms might be needed.Thomas and Paul debate what a register of competency could look like in the electrical sector, whether it would genuinely tackle poor workmanship, and what a good or bad version of the scheme might mean for contractors.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Neil Claxton, the Scottish electrician recently named Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, to find out what sets the very best tradespeople apart.They discuss the skills, attitude, professionalism and work ethic that can take an electrician from simply getting by to becoming one of the best in the business. Thomas and Paul debate who else in the electrical and wider construction industry deserves recognition — and whether industry awards should be about technical ability alone, or also recognise customer service, helping others and running a great business.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at the ECA, to discuss the challenges facing apprentices, employers and colleges.They look at the shortage of work placements, the quality of college training, rogue training providers and how competency standards could be improved.They also look into whether the electrical industry needs a licensing system similar to the Gas Safe Register, how to encourage more mature students into the trade, and what needs to change to get more electrical contractors taking on apprentices.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan explore the booming opportunities for electricians in the UK’s data centre expansion - and ask the big question: would you move for work?They’ll discuss the growing demand for skilled electricians, whether domestic sparks could move into commercial data centre work, the skills and qualifications needed, and whether the money and opportunities are enough to tempt electricians away from home.They’re joined by Danny Webb from Alpha Tech Group and Nathan Sheridan from JS Electrical NE LTD to get their perspectives on the opportunities, skills and challenges around data centres - and whether they’d move for the right opportunity.Thomas and Paul also put the question to each other: is the data centre boom a genuine opportunity for electricians, and what would it take to attract experienced sparks into the sector?Would you move for work - and is the data centre boom the next big opportunity for electricians?

Thomas Nagy flies solo for a Q&A featuring questions from listeners. Thomas tackles juicy questions about pricing, hiring, training and the future of the industry, reflects on his contracting journey and answers some controversial questions along the way!

Thomas Nagy is joined in the studio by 28-year-old electrical contractor Callum Biscoe from C&B Electrical Contractors Ltd.Callum talks Thomas through his journey into the electrical trade, his experiences qualifying, the people who helped him along the way and what he wishes he’d been taught when he was training.He also reveals how he built his business, the lessons he’s learned as a business owner and how he grew into taking on medical and education-based electrical contracts.Thomas and Callum also discuss managing staff, the challenges and opportunities of commercial work, why Callum has moved away from taking on as much Solar PV work, and what the future holds for his business.

Paul Meenan puts electrician Mark Pink and his 16-year-old apprentice son Teddy to the test with a series of real-world electrical trade dilemmas.From dealing with unsafe work and difficult customers to site banter, pricing jobs, buying tools and investing in training, Teddy gives his answers first before Mark draws on his years of experience to explain what he would do.